Book Review: The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano

Synopsis

Wil Heidle, the only daughter of the king of the world’s wealthiest nation, has grown up in the shadows. Kept hidden from the world in order to serve as a spy for her father—whose obsession with building his empire is causing a war—Wil wants nothing more than to explore the world beyond her kingdom, if only her father would give her the chance.

Until one night Wil is attacked, and she discovers a dangerous secret. Her touch turns people into gemstone. At first Wil is horrified—but as she tests its limits, she’s drawn more and more to the strange and volatile ability. When it leads to tragedy, Wil is forced to face the destructive power within her and finally leave her home to seek the truth and a cure.

But finding the key to her redemption puts her in the path of a cursed prince who has his own ideas for what to do with her power.

With a world on the brink of war and a power of ultimate destruction, can Wil find a way to help the kingdom that’s turned its back on her, or will she betray her past and her family forever?

I give The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano three out of five hearts because it was a bit bland and simple. I did like the characters though.

Wil is the only daughter of a royal couple, in a country trying to prevent a war. Her brothers all have their own roles to play for the kingdom, but Wil just has to do whatever her father says. She is only happy when she is in the town, but it is dangerous. But then she finds out she has this weird power and gets her oldest brother killed, she decides her family is better of with two dead children and runs away.

This is when she meets Loom, the disowned son of the enemy king. He was also interesting because of his background and you slowly get to learn more about him. I felt the romance between the two was forced and very bland, but without it was great. They just didn’t have any romantic chemistry together.

The wrap-up of the story left so many things open, that I was a bit annoyed with it. But I remember something similar in Wither. Overall the story was pretty fast paced and very enjoyable.

The world building was a bit confusing due to the medieval feeling but they do have some technology. But they also still believe in the medical properties of herbs and such. It was interesting, but I wished it had been clearer.

Let me know what you thought of this book!
If you have any requests for which book I should talk about next, please let me know in the comments down below.